Let’s face it; if you’ve got a little Harry Potter fan at home (or you really wish you’d gone to Hogwarts yourself), this is a very good time to be alive. After years without any word from Hogwarts, we now have a new book on our hands. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts I and II is a written version of the stage play by the same name, and it hits shelves July 31. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny are all coming back, along with a cast of other favorite characters.
So how does one celebrate, besides picking up a copy? Well, you might want to double dip at the bookstore, because this month has also brought America The Unofficial Guide To Crafting The World Of Harry Potter, a book from Jamie Harrington, the crafty blogger and Harry Potter aficionado behind Totally The Bomb.
Harrington serves up dozens of Potterific ideas, from shirts you can tie-dye into house colors (yes, even Slytherin) to pencil wands. We asked her to tell us how she made two of our favorites — our very own Mirror of Erised and Marauder’s Map cups (yes, they really do get to watch mischief managed).
Wall Mirror Of Erised
Unlike the true Mirror of Erised that Harry used to see his parents, and even the Sorcerer’s Stone, this mirror won’t show you everything you want to see, unless you just really like looking at your awesome self, but it will look awesome on just about any wall in your house. We did this to my daughter Halle’s bathroom mirror and it is amazing! I love how the wall mirror can be hung up in a bedroom and used every day!
Wall Mirror Of Erised Materials
What You Need:
Painter’s tape or masking tape, any width
Enough newspaper to cover the mirror part of your mirror
Scissors
1 mirror you can hang on the wall (I used a 12″ x 12″ mirror that has a thick, 3″ frame, but you can use whatever size mirror you like as long as the frame is thick enough to decorate.)
1 bottle 3D fabric paint, any color
Cardboard box or trash bag
Silver spray paintWall Mirror Of Erised Step 1
Use your tape and newspaper to cover the reflective part of your mirror. You can use your scissors to cut the newspaper to size. Take your time doing this, because you don’t want to get any paint on the shiny stuff.
Wall Mirror Of Erised Step 2
Use your tube of fabric paint to write “Mirror of Erised” in fancy, cursive letters on the top part of the frame.
Wall Mirror Of Erised Step 3
Now use the fabric paint to draw some fancy swirls on the sides and the bottom part of the mirror frame. Set this aside to dry overnight.
Wall Mirror Of Erised Step 4
Set up a place to spray-paint your mirror by placing your cardboard box or trash bag on the floor or outside on the ground. (Ask an adult for help if you’re not sure where this should be done.) Place your mirror in the box or on the trash bag and spray it with the silver spray paint until it’s completely covered. Set the mirror aside to dry, about 2–3 hours or until dry to the touch. If you painted your mirror outside and would like it to dry inside, let it sit for 15 minutes until dry to the touch, then bring it inside to dry in an out-of-the-way location.
Wall Mirror Of Erised Step 5
Pull off the tape and use your fingernail to scratch off any excess paint that may have gotten on the shiny part of your mirror.
Wall Mirror Of Erised Step 6
Hang your Wall Mirror of Erised on the wall and check yourself out!
Marauders Map Mug
If you’re like me, you need more than just a plain ol’ mug to brighten up your day. This Marauder’s Map Mug is just the thing to make you laugh—I drink out of mine every morning—and by the time you’re finished drinking, your mischief will be managed!
Marauders Map Mug
If you’re like me, you need more than just a plain ol’ mug to brighten up your day. This Marauder’s Map Mug is just the thing to make you laugh—I drink out of mine every morning—and by the time you’re finished drinking, your mischief will be managed!
Marauders Map Mug Step 1 and 2
Step 1: On the outside of your coffee mug, draw in the map using your paint pen. This is easy if you think of it as a maze. Draw lines all around your map first, and then add in the footsteps later. You can also add the names of your favorite Potter characters or even your best friend!
Step 2: Once you’ve finished drawing on your mug, set it aside to dry for 2–3 hours until dry to the touch.
Marauders Map Mug Steps 3 and 4
Step 3: Once your mug is dry to the touch, place your mug in the oven, turn your oven on to 325°, and bake for 30 minutes. Don’t preheat your oven; you want to put the mug in while the oven is still cool. After 30 minutes, turn off the oven and let the mug sit in the oven until it’s cool enough to touch. (This way your mug won’t crack.)
Step 4: Remove your mug from the oven and hand wash in the sink before using. Don’t wash your mug in the dishwasher because your writing will come off. You now have a super-cool mug for life!
For more Harry Potter crafts, check out The Unofficial Guide to Crafting the World of Harry Potter by Jamie Harrington.
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